Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license

The fee you pay depends on which renewal period you choose. A four-year license costs $16, and an eight-year license costs $32. You cannot choose a shorter period — Texas offers only these two options. If you renew online or by mail, you pay the same fee as you would in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.

The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license to you. It does not include any additional charges for processing or handling. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher — $75 for a four-year renewal or $150 for an eight-year renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard four-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $16, and an eight-year renewal costs $32.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, and the fee is the same regardless of method.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $75 for four years or $150 for eight years.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal method — online renewals accept credit or debit cards, while mail-in renewals require a check or money order.

How to pay when you renew online

If you renew through the Texas DPS website, you pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your renewal. The website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You enter your card information directly into the find payment page, and the charge goes through when ready.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had more than one address change since your last renewal, and you are not required to take a new photo. If any of these conditions explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail instead.

How to pay when you renew by mail

Mail-in renewal requires you to send a check or money order to the DPS address listed on the renewal form. Do not send cash through the mail. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order so the DPS can match your payment to your process.

Mail processing takes longer than online or in-person renewal — typically four to six weeks after the DPS receives your materials. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the DPS can mail your new license back to you. If you do not include an envelope, they will still mail it, but you should allow extra time.

How to pay when you renew in person

At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will not accept personal checks from out-of-state addresses, so if you live outside Texas, bring a debit card or credit card instead. Some offices may also accept money orders.

Call ahead to confirm which payment methods your local DPS office accepts, because policies can vary slightly between locations. You can find your nearest office and its phone number on the Texas DPS website.

Additional fees you might encounter

The renewal fee covers a standard license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, there is no extra charge — the $16 or $32 fee includes it. However, if you need to replace a lost or stolen license instead of renewing, the replacement fee is $11 for a four-year license or $22 for an eight-year license.

If you renew in person and need a new photo (because your current photo is damaged or you have changed your appearance significantly), there is no additional fee. The photo is included in the renewal cost. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license and need to add or remove endorsements, you may face additional testing fees, which vary depending on the endorsement.

When to renew to avoid late fees

Texas does not charge a late fee if you renew after your license expires, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license. Renew during the 60-day window before your expiration date to avoid any gap in your driving privileges. If your license has already expired, you can still renew through any of the three methods, but you should do so as soon as possible.

If you are renewing by mail, account for processing time. Mail your renewal materials at least six weeks before your expiration date to give the DPS time to receive, process, and mail your new license back to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the renewal fee in installments?

No. Texas requires full payment of the renewal fee at the time you submit your renewal, whether online, by mail, or in person. There is no option to pay in installments or defer payment.

What if I pay the wrong amount?

If you send a check for the wrong amount by mail, the DPS will contact you to request the correct payment before processing your renewal. If you overpay, they will refund the difference. If you underpay, your renewal will not be processed until you send the remaining balance.

Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew early?

Yes. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew one year early or on your expiration date. There is no discount for early renewal. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Is there a fee to renew online versus in person?

No. The $16 or $32 fee is the same regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The method you choose does not affect the cost.